Kansas City Royals: Bullpen Battle, Spring Training Week 2

Safe

–Kevin McCarthy

McCarthy has had an excellent start to his bid to make the Opening Day roster. He started things off by coming in to clean Jesse Hahn‘s mess against the Dodgers, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings with one strikeout. Next, he earned the win against the Mariners with 2 more scoreless innings. He finished off the week by tossing one more scoreless frame against the White Sox, adding two more punchouts for good measure.

McCarthy is one of the eight best relievers the Royals have right now. His biggest obstacle to make the team is the fact that he still has options and can be sent back to AAA Omaha. But if he keeps pitching this way, the only option the Royals will have is to hand him a roster spot.

–Brad Keller

In addition to McCarthy, it was a quality week for Keller. He made two appearances to start off his time as a Royal. He started things off with a scoreless inning against the Giants. Later in the week, Keller got the win with another scoreless inning of work, this time while walking one and inducing two strikeouts.

All the Royals are hoping for out of Keller this season are outings like these, so if he can quietly blend in and get the job done when asked he should have no problem keeping his spot on the roster.

–Jesse Hahn

Despite the hype surrounding him, Hahn got knocked around a bit in each of his first two appearances as a Royal. He started the first game against the Dodgers and racked up the 2’s: 1.2 innings, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 2 K’s. Things didn’t get any easier against the Mariners when Hahn surrendered three runs and three hits, plus 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

While he didn’t do himself any favors in his attempt to crack the rotation, Hahn is still probably the sixth best starter on this team. Well, that was until he was placed on the 60-day DL today with a UCL sprain. Once he’s reinstated, we’ll see what’s in store for Hahn’s 2018 season.